With the inevitable arrival of Daylight Savings and the dreaded winter season comes delayed sunrises and excessively early sunsets. For most of us, this essentially means spending majority of our time outside shrouded in darkness, for leaving the house during early hours of the day and returning in the evening equates to a greater difficulty in spotting the sun make its rare appearance.
For the time being, I'm making the effort to enjoy my mornings as much as possible. Gorgeous gradient-hued skies are definitely assisting me with this back-to-school transition.
For the time being, I'm making the effort to enjoy my mornings as much as possible. Gorgeous gradient-hued skies are definitely assisting me with this back-to-school transition.
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On some days, one end is blue with pink splotches while the other is golden orange - absolutely stunning!
Of course, caffeinated beverages pull their weight too. I've recently been on the hunt for cafes in closer proximity, since lengthy round trips aren't nearly as amusing when they're conducted solo. Effective productivity also decreases since local transit do not permit enough space nor stability for working while en route.
Of course, caffeinated beverages pull their weight too. I've recently been on the hunt for cafes in closer proximity, since lengthy round trips aren't nearly as amusing when they're conducted solo. Effective productivity also decreases since local transit do not permit enough space nor stability for working while en route.
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This has consequently led to the discovery of Westdale BumbleBean, a cozy little spot towards the east end of Westdale Village. It's less of a "cafe" than Mulberry, given that seating is extremely limited: a few patio chairs line the storefront while a 90's-esque red metal table on the inside provides a quick rest stop.
The menu is as minimal as could be, consisting of the standard assortment espresso-based beverages (cappuccino, latte, mocha, etc.) and basic tea lattes. A rotary selection of teas ensured that variety would be consistently maintained. Majority of the drinks were also offered in an icy form and in different sizes (with some exceptions, obviously). Individually-wrapped baked goods were baked fresh daily and placed on the counter to stimulate ophthalmoception of paying customers.
The menu is as minimal as could be, consisting of the standard assortment espresso-based beverages (cappuccino, latte, mocha, etc.) and basic tea lattes. A rotary selection of teas ensured that variety would be consistently maintained. Majority of the drinks were also offered in an icy form and in different sizes (with some exceptions, obviously). Individually-wrapped baked goods were baked fresh daily and placed on the counter to stimulate ophthalmoception of paying customers.
In addition to easily customizable beverages, Westdale BumbleBean also retailed a variety of coffee- and tea-related products and brewing merchandise. Specialty items such as fair trade and/or organic chocolate, gluten-free tortilla chips, vegan-friendly snacks, locally produced jams, and coconut oil were also on display on the various shelves surrounding the perimeter of the shop. A large drink refrigerator stocked with cans of cold brew coffee, coconut water, and the like was spotted near the window sill
Their most popular items, I've noticed, are their ice creams and paletas. Now, don't misunderstand - I thoroughly enjoy ice cream on sweltering summer days. However, attempting to complete computation-heavy assignments (and utilizing various tables and charts in the process) while consuming a potentially dripping cone is far from a pleasant thought.
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I opted for an Iced Chai Latte and an Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie for a mild September afternoon. They made for great note-taking companions, and weren't as pricey as I had expected, at least not by Hamilton standards anyway. In particular, I appreciated that Westdale BumbleBean accepted plastic payment along with traditional methods of hard cash. It simply made for a swifter, more efficient process, which is always a bonus in my books.
The Chai Latte was milky and sweet, and retained just enough spiciness for my contentment. (For those accustomed to Starbucks' throat-stinging version though, this might not be your cup of tea, in the very literal sense.) Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a classic bakery item, and this hidden gem took it to the next level by forming them into mounds of satisfying crunchiness and including large chunks of oozing chocolate. Mmmmmmmmmmmm.
The Chai Latte was milky and sweet, and retained just enough spiciness for my contentment. (For those accustomed to Starbucks' throat-stinging version though, this might not be your cup of tea, in the very literal sense.) Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a classic bakery item, and this hidden gem took it to the next level by forming them into mounds of satisfying crunchiness and including large chunks of oozing chocolate. Mmmmmmmmmmmm.
All operations were executed by a single staff member. She took orders, crafted drinks, and maintained overall store hygeine; towards closing time, it was also her who retrieved the patio chairs from the outside and stacked them up within. Emitting extremely pleasant vibes and a friendly demeanour, it was easy to see why return customers were stopping by again and again for more BumbleBean goodness.
On a later, rainier occasion, I dropped by again for a quick pick-me-up between classes.
London Fog was being craved at the moment, but was unfortunately not on the menu. The same smiley lady was tending the counter again; she informed me that it would be possible to create an Earl Grey tea latte, but that she doesn't have any flavour syrups on hand to create the vanilla aspect. This was honestly somewhat of a relief to me, as now I have ascertained that artificial flavourings cease to exist at this establishment.
After a brief moment of silent contemplation on my part, she inquired whether I wanted to try something that wasn't explicitly stated on the menu board. Apparently, the teachers of the neighbouring elementary school had founded a unique flavour characterized by chocolate and raspberry - the "Cootes' Special". Intrigued, I immediately requested the steamy concoction. The Fully-Loaded Banana Loaf also appeared especially appealing at that moment.
London Fog was being craved at the moment, but was unfortunately not on the menu. The same smiley lady was tending the counter again; she informed me that it would be possible to create an Earl Grey tea latte, but that she doesn't have any flavour syrups on hand to create the vanilla aspect. This was honestly somewhat of a relief to me, as now I have ascertained that artificial flavourings cease to exist at this establishment.
After a brief moment of silent contemplation on my part, she inquired whether I wanted to try something that wasn't explicitly stated on the menu board. Apparently, the teachers of the neighbouring elementary school had founded a unique flavour characterized by chocolate and raspberry - the "Cootes' Special". Intrigued, I immediately requested the steamy concoction. The Fully-Loaded Banana Loaf also appeared especially appealing at that moment.
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A light drizzle began to engulf the quiet segment of King Street, so I took to the dimly-lit interior environment to enjoy my treats. Between bites of moist banana bread were bits of chopped nuts, raisins, and even tiny chocolate chips. The omittance of butter was evident, as was the slightly sticky consistency reminiscent of my past chia seed egg experiments. Unlike other spots, the treat tasted, well, healthy.
When consumed in conjunction with the cocoa-raspberry tea latte, a state bliss was officially confirmed. The beverage was subtly sweet without being bland, with fragrant hints of raspberry and notes of cocoa in each sip. It instilled warmth into my gently quivering body with little to no hesistation.
When consumed in conjunction with the cocoa-raspberry tea latte, a state bliss was officially confirmed. The beverage was subtly sweet without being bland, with fragrant hints of raspberry and notes of cocoa in each sip. It instilled warmth into my gently quivering body with little to no hesistation.
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The table also provided access to an outlet, which is always greatly appreciated. I hadn't thought of asking on my previous visit, but, unexpectedly, the cafe offered Wi-Fi as well! Not only was it password-secured but also incredibly stable - several notches above library connections.
These days, I've found my life to suddenly be overcome with a massive number of assignments, group meetings, and reports. As much as I wish I could revert to the working force in Toronto, I suppose there's little I can do besides cope with the current situation to the best of my abilties.
Chances of me finding excuses to re-live the feelings of bliss at Westdale BumbleBean are substantially high.
These days, I've found my life to suddenly be overcome with a massive number of assignments, group meetings, and reports. As much as I wish I could revert to the working force in Toronto, I suppose there's little I can do besides cope with the current situation to the best of my abilties.
Chances of me finding excuses to re-live the feelings of bliss at Westdale BumbleBean are substantially high.
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